Pastoral Relief and Retreat

I am Pastor at Poquonock Community Church, Congregational (CCCC) in Windsor, CT. My wife Jama and I live in Wetherfield, CT.
We'd like to invite you to Terre Haute -- High Ground -- That's what Jama and I call the retreat space on our property. We offer free intentional get-away retreats. We'll feed you and house you and give you space to be with the Lord. All are welcome; no questions asked.
This blog is my daily devotional journal. I write it because it is so easy to go for weeks without ever taking the time to be alone with God. Writing helps me develop a discipline I need.

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Thursday, February 12, 2009

February 4, 2009 Woe

READ: Matthew 11:20-2420 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

DOROTHYWell, I -- I think that it -- that itwasn't enough just to want to see UncleHenry and Auntie Em -- and it's that -- ifI ever go looking for my heart's desireagain, I won't look any further than my ownbackyard. Because if it isn't there, Inever really lost it to begin with! Isthat right?

GLINDAThat's all it is!

SCARECROWBut that's so easy! I should have thoughtof it for you.The theology of repentance for the forgiveness of sins is so seminal in us thatit even appears in Hollywood. Before Dorothy can go home, she has to repent ofthe sin that brought her into Oz in the first place. Running away from home issomething most children do at some point. Most don't actually follow throughwith it, but they will pack a small bag and walk down to the end of the streetwhen Mom or Dad won't let them have their own way. This is a picture of oursin toward God and how it works itself out. Call it Dorothy in Oz or the Parableof the Lost Son or what have you, it is us saying "I don't need you, God. I cando life on my own very nicely, and will if you'll just give me the chance."

How sad, then, that all of us end up feeding on corn husks from the hogs in a far-away country rather than in an idyllic place (albeit inhabited by at least onereally awful witch) like Oz.

But there is where Jesus really comes in. Even in his lament over Capernaum,Corazin and Bethsaida he is aware that not every person in those cities is doomed.John, James, Andrew, and Peter at least were from Capernaum. 5000 were fed in Corazin.A legion of demons was cast out of a man over in Bethsaida. No, even the depths of ourunrepentantly black hearts, Jesus is at work drawing us to himself.

Have you wandered like Dorothy? Is your theme-song this lyric from Fiddler on the Roof?

How can I hope to make you understandWhy I do, what I do,Why I must travel to a distant landFar from the home I love?

Once I was happily content to beAs I was, where I wasClose to the people who are close to meHere in the home I love...

Yea, I know the girl was in love. But, even for a really handsome guy, let's weighthis out. Siberia in winter vs. Home and family. Hmmm... something REALLY specialmust have come along for her to leave all that.

Has your heart been drawn away from "home" by some wanderlust or by the promise ofa better love? Jesus wants you to be at home with him. Are you afraid you havewandered too far and God won't want you back? He is standing right beside you saying"there's no place like home." As hard as it is to believe from where you sit, Godpassionately wants you to be with him. But there's no wizard who will carry youback in a hot air balloon. There's only one way "home."